Alexandre Lacazzette has hinted that he wants to move back to former club Lyon as speculation around his Arsenal future continues to rumble.
Arsenal may be without any recognised striker when they enter their pre-season campaign after the summer break. Current club captain and leading forward Alexandre Lacazette could be the headline departure in the close season as the Frenchman runs down his contract.
There have been talks over a potential new deal, which Mikel Arteta insisted will happen after the season ends. Arsenal might offer their skipper a short-term contract, but Lacazette could still attract a long-term deal elsewhere.
Lyon had confirmed their interest a while ago, but nothing seemed concrete at that point. The Frenchman may have other suitors ahead of a summer move, and he may wait for offers to arrive. While Arsenal are keen on tying Lacazette to a new deal, they may not be able to offer a long-term contract like the others.
Arsenal have already begun searching for a new striker to lead their line next term after opening talks with Victor Osimhen’s camp over a potential summer move. However, staying put at Arsenal could still be an option, especially if the north Londoners offer him a reasonable deal and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Playing in the competition remains one of Lacazette’s objectives going by his comments, as quoted by football.london. The Frenchman also hinted at a possible return to Lyon, with whom he has kept in touch since moving to the Emirates five years ago.
Lacazette said, “I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open. I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left. I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close. Lyon knows that I am free, they have come to the information.”
Further, the Arsenal striker got asked if he would join Lyon even if they drop out of Europe by the end of the current campaign. He insisted matters are complicated and reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League.
Lacazette continued, “It’s a bit more complicated. I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it. It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated.”
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Lacazette was missing from Arsenal’s recent defeat to Southampton and remains doubtful for their midweek trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have his key attacker back for the weekend’s fixture against top-four rivals Manchester United, and the Frenchman will be aiming to lead Arsenal to a top-four finish.
